Empowered by His Presence
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV): "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’"
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God endures forever.
The Great Commission and the Promise of God’s Presence
In the Great Commission, Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, a task that can seem overwhelming and fearful. However, Jesus gracefully follows this command with a profound promise: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Surprisingly, this promise of God’s presence is not new; it is a thread woven throughout the entire Bible. God's promised presence has provided strength, courage, and assurance to God's people in pivotal moments.
Let’s explore how God’s presence empowered key figures in Scripture and how this connects to the Great Commission.
1. Jacob in Genesis 28:13-15
Jacob, a man known for his cunning ways, encounters God in a dream. In Genesis 28:15, God promises, "I am with you and will keep you wherever you go." This assurance transforms Jacob's future, giving him the confidence to fulfill God's covenant promises despite his past failures. Just as Jacob was reassured by God’s presence, we are reassured that in our journey to make disciples, God is with us.
2. Moses in Exodus 3:12
When God calls Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses is hesitant and feels inadequate. God’s response in Exodus 3:12 is, "I will certainly be with you." This promise gives Moses the courage to confront Pharaoh and lead his people to freedom. Similarly, Jesus’ promise of His presence in the Great Commission empowers us to undertake our mission with confidence, knowing we are not alone.
3. Moses to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:6
As Moses prepares to hand over leadership to Joshua, he encourages the Israelites, saying, "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6). This promise is a reminder that God’s presence provides the strength and courage needed for leadership and mission. We are not going at it alone. Jesus is with us.
4. God to Joshua in Joshua 1:6
After Moses' death, God speaks directly to Joshua, reaffirming the promise made through Moses. In Joshua 1:6, God says, "Be strong and of good courage... As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." This continuity of God’s promise from Moses to Joshua underscores the enduring nature of God's presence. This is a reassurance that extends to us as we carry out the Great Commission.
5. The Lord to Gideon in Judges 6:16
Gideon, who feels inadequate and unworthy, is called by God to save Israel from the Midianites. In Judges 6:16, God reassures him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man." Despite his fears and doubts, Gideon finds strength in God's promise. Likewise, we can trust that God’s presence will enable us to overcome our own insecurities as we share the gospel.
6. Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:7-8
Jeremiah, called to be a prophet at a young age, expresses his fear and inadequacy. God responds in Jeremiah 1:7-8, "Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you." This assurance that God’s presence would guide and protect him is a powerful reminder for us today.
The Unbroken Promise
From Jacob to Jeremiah, God’s promise of His presence provided the foundation for their courage and mission. I am no Moses. You are no Jeremiah. But, this same promise is given to us in the Great Commission. Jesus’ assurance, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age," is a continuation of God’s unbroken promise to be with His people. Our fear melts away when we remember that He has not left us as weak orphans to carry out the Great Commission.
Living Out the Great Commission
Take confidence from knowing God’s presence is with you. Whether through direct conversation, acts of kindness, hospitality, or creative outreach, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit as we share our faith in Jesus Christ, making disciples of the nations. Our strength does not come from our abilities but from the assurance that God is with us every step of the way.
